March For George Floyd In Newark On Anniversary Of King’s Death

NEWARK, NJ — The People's Organization For Progress (POP) will march for George Floyd, voting rights, and a $15 minimum wage on the eve of the 53rd anniversary of the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr.

According to a statement from organizers, the march and rally will take place on Friday, April 2 at 4 p.m., starting at the Lincoln Statue, 12 Springfield Avenue in Newark. The statue is located at the intersection of Springfield Avenue and West Market Street.

“In honor of the anniversary of Dr. King’s assassination, we will march to demand justice for George Floyd and all victims of police brutality, a $15 minimum wage and an end to Black voter suppression,” POP chairman Lawrence Hamm said.

“On Friday, we are marching for an end to police brutality but we are also marching for economic justice,” Hamm said. “We demand a $15 minimum wage now and ultimately a living wage for all working people.”

• See related article: Newark 'Radical' Celebrates 50 Years Of Activism – By Protesting

Hamm said that the POP is pushing for the elimination of poverty through a guaranteed minimum income, a federal jobs program to eliminate unemployment with jobs at a living wage, universal health care with Medicare For All, free college and the elimination of student debt, a moratorium on evictions and foreclosures until the end of the pandemic, cancellation of rent and mortgage payments and a national program to provide free child care.

The April 2 march will also protest voter suppression, especially among Black voters, Hamm said.

“There have been 253 bills introduced in 43 state legislatures designed to decrease voter participation,” Hamm said. “This is an abomination. The attack on voting rights today in the 21st century is worse than that of the Jim Crow era.”

• See related article: Sen. Nia Gill Says NJ's New Election Law Will Fight Voter Suppression

“We urge everyone who upholds the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and wants to continue his fight for justice and peace to march with us,” Hamm said.

Those planning to attend the demonstration are asked to wear masks and practice social distancing. For more information, contact (973)801-0001.

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